Gainsborough Trinity capture Clayton Donaldson

Most recently with Vanarama National League North play-off Winners York City, the Holy Blues have beaten off stiff competition from the league above to bring in the prolific marksman.

During his time at the Dave Longstaff Martin and Co Arena, Donaldson is set to combine his playing duties with completing his coaching badges.

In a 20-year playing career which started out in the youth team at Hull City, the striker boasts Crewe Alexandra, Brentford, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United among his former clubs.

Bagging in excess of 200 career goals, the 38-year-old averaged a goal every 2.5 games at Crewe, just under one in three at Birmingham - and in his first spell at York City, his strike rate was at one in two.

The Bradford-born forward has also made 10 appearances for the Jamaica national team, scoring twice.

Under the guidance of joint-managers Neal Bishop and Damon Parkinson, Donaldson will hope to help Trinity improve upon last season’s 16th-placed finish in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.

"Bish played a big part in me joining Gainsborough,” Donaldson told the club’s official website. “We first played together at York City & have kept in touch ever since.

“When I was released, he texted straight away to see if I was interested and what the situation was. I had a few options on the table, but I wanted to get away for a holiday first - and then take it from there.

“Knowing him like I do, when he was back onto me, I knew I wanted to come along.

“It fitted with where I'm at. I am still fit and hungry, and want to play, everything fitted. We got down to the nitty gritty - and opportunities to be involved with aspects of the coaching while I study for my UEFA A Licence, it all worked."

Trinity joint-manager Neal Bishop added: "To get him in has been a group effort right from the chairman down. We outlined our ambitions for the club and where we see him contributing to the project both on and off the pitch.

“He will be massive for us in terms of training levels, how he conducts himself and is the profile of a player that I believe we were missing at times last season.

"Again he’s a player who could have gone to some fantastic clubs higher in the pyramid, but has bought into what me and Damo are trying to do here. We are delighted to have him on board."

Photo credit: Gainsborough Trinity